Automobile crashes are studies in randomness, with no two accidents ever exactly alike. This means that there are many ways that the brain can be injured in just a fraction of a second. Direct is not necessary for the brain to experience trauma without any external contact on the skull at all. In an accident, these can result in a TBI:

Open head injuries occur when the skull is fractured and something such as glass, metal, or bone fragments causes direct injury to the brain. Open-head injuries often the most dramatic-looking injuries, as the scalp contains many blood vessels, resulting in the appearance of a lot of blood. All open head injuries are critical emergencies and need to be treated promptly. Not only is there an immediate risk of bleeding and life-threatening swelling of the brain, but the open wound can also lead to a fatal infection.

Closed head injuries are the most deceptive types of injury, and are often considered to be silent killers. Symptoms may be immediate, or delayed for hours, days, or longer. There is no penetration of the skull, and there may be no blood at all or just minor surface cuts and scratches. Closed head injuries can happen due to a blunt force impact on the head, for example against a steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Closed head injury can also happen with no impact at all, when the head is shaken or violently twisted at the moment of impact.

No matter what type of head injury has happened or is suspected after an accident, you should seek medical attention. The injury may not be immediately noticeable to the victim or to onlookers, so it is vital to be seen by medical personnel after any suspected head injury.

There are several types of closed head injuries that can happen during a car wreck. You can consult with Maryland Accident Lawyer at any time. Here are some of the most concerning closed head injuries that you should be aware of:

Injuries due to either impact or a change in momentum, such as a sudden deceleration when cars collide. Unconsciousness may result sometimes, but not always. Concussions may take weeks, months, or even years to heal.

Injuries sustained on opposite sides of the brain. This happens when a violent impact or change in momentum stops the skull’s motion suddenly, the brain continues moving, striking one side of the skull, then rebounding into the other side.

Injury that results when the nerves of the brain are stretched past the Axonal breaking point by impact or rapid, violent rotation. It is called a “diffuse” injury because it can damage many parts of the brain across a wide area, not just at the point of impact. As the nerves tear, chemicals in the cells are released, causing further cell damage and death. Axonal injuries are often devastating, causing permanent brain damage, functional impairments, comas, and death.

The effects of any TBI can last for months, years, or an entire lifetime. Care for a victim can get expensive fast from a doctor’s diagnosis and can be an important part of your personal injury lawsuit. We can help make sure that you receive the compensation that you are owed for medical bills, prolonged care, and rehabilitation therapy afterward.